1987 BMW M5

Getting that old-time hot-rod religion.

BMW thoughtfully provides two major handling aids—one complex, one simple. First, as in other contemporary Bimmers, the patented Track Link suspension arrangement cancels any latent lift-throttle-oversteer tendencies from the semi-trailing-arm rear suspension. Second, conservative tire-pressure recommendations—36 psi in front, 40 in the rear—add another dose of understeer. (We found better results on the road with equal front and rear inflation.)

Thanks to the taut reflexes of the M5's steering and suspension, any pavement is open to abuse. The anti-roll bars remain unchanged from 535i specs, but shorter progressive-rate springs and heftier gas-pressure front struts and rear shocks encourage hard driving without fear of nasty repercussions. The damping calibration swiftly soaks up problems in one efficient cycle of motion. It's a firm cycle, but whether you're sightseeing or running hard, the M5 gives good control, never threatening to make a monkey of you.

The M5 is so quick that waiting to pass someone safely creates no frustration: you feel you can afford good traffic manners because the machine quickly compensates for any delays. Its behavior is so calmly composed, so safe and stable at the elevated speeds it readily attains, that in a strange way it calls for added caution: you have to be constantly mindful that trouble can leap up around you too fast for human reaction times to handle.

The M5's sizable, ABS-outfitted, four-wheel disc brakes, which are vented in front, always do their best to keep you from harm. Bosch's electronic anti-lock circuitry never interferes with BMW's firm braking action, even during hard driving. Yet it stands ever ready should you need to stand on the pedal in an emergency. With the help of the fat Pirellis, the ABS stops the M5 from 70 mph in only 166 feet. This ranks second by only two feet to the modern C/D record, set by the Corvette and the Porsche 928S4.

Inside, the M5 is laid out better than the Corvette, but perfection is a detail or two away. Unless you get lucky with BMW's complicated power-seat buttons, you may have to search repeatedly for the right seating position. And there are no memory buttons to help. Luckily, the steeply raked steering column allows you to telescope the padded sport wheel. When your reach finally takes the proper measure of the controls, you find pedals perfectly beneath your feet. Effortless heel-and-toe action and the precise give-and-take of every control ensure that neither car nor driver feels out of phase.

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*AccuPayment estimates payments under various scenarios for budgeting and informational purposes only. AccuPayment does not state credit or lease terms that are available from a creditor or lessor, and AccuPayment is not an offer or promotion of a credit or lease transaction.